CMS Price Transparency Data

Blood test, ferritin (iron stores)

Facility: Methodist Jennie Edmundson

Billing Code: 82728 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 82728
Insurance Median: $44
Cash Discount Price: $50
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Blood test, ferritin (iron stores) at Methodist Jennie Edmundson is $44. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $50. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $13.63, this hospital’s rate is 3.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 933 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$50

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$44

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$13.63

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $13.63 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $50 (367%)

Insurance Median: $44 (323%)

Cash: $50 (367% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $44 (323% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $13.63 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 323% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 223%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$13 - $101	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13 - $109	95%
Humana	$13	95%
Medica	$13 - $76	95%
Medicare (plans)	$13 - $84	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$13 - $101	95%
Medica Choice	$22 - $84	161%
Elite Choice - Mje	$26 - $28	191%
Ambetter / Centene	$28	205%
Midlands Choice	$35 - $118	257%
Wellmark	$50 - $55	367%
Ne Furniture Mart	$77 - $101	565%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $50.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 82728.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Methodist Jennie Edmundson is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 82728.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.